The shutters remain half-way down, and a sign has been put up, which reads: "Dear valued customer, we are sorry to confirm that this patisserie is now permanently closed.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank both our loyal customers and the team that ran the patisserie for their dedication and hard work.

"Your nearest store is Nottingham.

"If you are due to collect an order from this patisserie than you will be contacted shortly to arrange a new collection location.

"Alternatively please email supportoffice@patisserie-valerie.co.uk and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

"Once again, we would like to thank you for your loyal custom and we hope to see you soon. Patisserie Valerie."

It's understood that some staff only found out earlier this morning.

Patisserie Valerie Leicester (Image: Northcliffe Media Ltd.)

The cafe was known for its hand-made cakes, gateaux and patisseries.

The closure comes just six months after it was revealed that the national cafe chain had fallen into administration after failing to secure a financial lifeline from its banks - leaving it with no option but to call in administrators KPMG.

Parent company Patisserie Holdings plc, which employed more than 3,000 staff nationally, had more than 200 stores across the UK, and operated under five different brands including Patisserie Valerie, Philpotts, Baker & Spice, Flour Power City, and Druckers Vienna Patisserie.

Blair Nimmo and David Costley-Wood from auditors KPMG were been appointed as joint administrators to Patisserie Holdings plc.